A tornado warning has been issued for parts of England tomorrow as the country braces for 90mph winds from Storm Eowyn.
The European Storm Forecast Experiment has issued a level two alert, warning of the possibility of 'strong winds with some tornadoes possible' in the south of England on Thursday.
The forecaster added that the development of a tornado 'cannot be ruled out', with areas between Bristol and London most at risk.
A level one tornado warning is also in force for wider parts of southern England and much of Wales, stating that there is 'a similar risk, but a lower probability' of a tornado forming.
It comes as Scotland is set to be battered by hurricane force winds tomorrow as Storm Éowyn sweeps in, bringing up to six inches of snow to parts of the country.
Forecasters issued an amber “danger to life” warning as the first storm of the year arrived.
They say travel conditions are likely to be treacherous with winds exceeding 90 miles per hour in coastal areas and more exposed areas as Storm Éowyn makes landfall. Even inland, disruption is unavoidable, with gusts of up to 75mph expected to be 'fairly widespread'.
The Beaufort wind force scale used in Great Britain states that speeds over 75 miles per hour fall into the hurricane category.
A tornado warning has been issued for parts of England tomorrow as the country braces for 90mph winds from Storm Eowyn
High winds are expected across Britain on Friday, with weather warnings issued for every part of the country
Brits are being warned to expect wind gusts of up to 90mph tomorrow as Storm Eowyn makes landfall (File image)
The orange warning for wind applies across the Central Belt and beyond from 6am to 9pm, with a yellow warning for the whole of Scotland from midnight to 11.59pm – and a second warning immediately afterwards until 3pm on Saturday.
There is also a snow warning in place for Central, Tayside, Fife, Grampian, the Highlands and the Western Isles from 3am tomorrow until 12pm.
As the center of the storm passes overhead tomorrow, western Scotland will see a slight reduction in wind strength before a rapid increase again with a yellow warning coming in at midnight and lasting until 3pm on Saturday.
The Met Office said the 'high impact' storm means travelers can expect dangerous conditions and delays, with many services canceled – and warned there was a possibility of a second storm 'at some point' next week.
“Injuries and danger to life can arise from flying debris, as well as from large waves and beach material thrown onto the sea, coastal roads and property,” the report said.
Homeowners have been urged to prepare for widespread power outages, with technicians on standby to reconnect households as soon as conditions allow.
Oli Claydon from the Met Office said: 'We don't have to look that far back to see similar wind speeds, with Storm Darroch just a few weeks ago. And while most people have the [Beaufort] scale, the wind gusts fall into the hurricane speed category.
'Certainly, winds of this strength, especially in the orange warning areas, can cause disruptions and threaten life.'
The Jet Stream is set to develop over the North Atlantic this week, with the Met Office forecasting 'perhaps the strongest winds of the winter yet' by Friday (Stock Image)
Transport Secretary Fiona Hyslop said: 'The Met Office warnings show that high winds will impact the whole country, so it is vital that people plan ahead if they need to travel, especially in areas in the south and central Scotland who fall under the orange alert.'
Police Scotland has advised against unnecessary travel.
Chief Inspector Hilary Sloan urged motorists: 'Please do not ignore road signs warning of speed changes or route closures.
'These are for your safety and that of other road users.'
